Angina (disambiguation)

Angina (disambiguation) refers to a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest.

Types of Angina

There are two main types of angina: stable angina and unstable angina.

Stable angina is the most common type. It happens when the heart is working harder than usual. Stable angina has a regular pattern and can be predicted to happen over months or even years. Symptoms are relieved by rest or medication.

Unstable angina does not follow a pattern and can happen without physical exertion. It is not relieved by rest or medication. This can be a signal that a heart attack may occur soon.

Symptoms

Symptoms of angina include discomfort in your chest that you may also feel in your neck, shoulder, jaw, back or arm. These symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a heart attack.

Causes

Angina is caused by reduced blood flow to your heart muscle due to the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries.

Treatment

Treatment for angina includes lifestyle changes, medication, angioplasty and stenting, or surgery.

See also

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Stable angina
• Unstable angina

References

• American Heart Association
• Mayo Clinic